Graham, 47, was in his first season at Pitt, where he guided the Panthers to a 6-6 record and a spot in the BBVA Compass Bowl where they will play SMU.

This would be Graham's fourth stop since 2006. In 2006, Graham led Rice to a 7-6 record (the Owls were 1-10 the season before.) He spent the next four seasons at Tulsa, going 36-17 with three bowl appearances, which included one 11-win season.

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He also worked on Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez's staff at West Virginia.

A program source confirmed that ASU is close to announcing Graham's hire, but spokesman Mark Brand said ASU does not have anything to announce at this point.

Graham was hired at Pitt last January, pledging to be among the "most explosive teams in the country." According to reports, he made about $2 million per season.The way Graham informed his players at Pitt about his decision was a little odd. Instead of telling himself, he sent a text message.

Pitt's players were informed in a statement from Graham that was sent via text by assistant athletic director/football operations Blair Philbrick.

"I have resigned my position at Pitt in the best interest of my family to pursue the head coaching position at Arizona State," Graham said. "Coaching there has always been a dream of ours and we have family there. The timing of the circumstances have prohibited from telling you this directly. I now am on my way to Tempe to continue those discussions. God Bless. Coach Graham."

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